It's kind of a truism that many artists also don't mind tippling a bit.

But even if you're not a painter with grand ambitions, you still might want to try your hand at what the creators of the Creative Martini and Paint Club are offering. Two Chicopee women, Phim Mar and Melissa Paine, have started a new business: providing painting lessons at local bars.

The pair's mutual fascination with art, along a shared gregariousness led to the idea, Mar said.

"We both would agree that since we were young girls we were interested in every form of art," she said. "We also love to meet new people and definitely are people-persons. So what better than come up with a business formula to do what we enjoy best. Art, drinks, and people equals friends."

The events are straightforward.

"We travel to local venues, bars, pubs, restaurants. We supply all the materials from canvas, paint brushes, aprons, paint," Mar said. "We guide all our attendees for about two hours, step by step. While doing so, everyone gets to enjoy beverages and by the end of the night everyone leaves with a finished masterpiece to show off."

Mar was an art major in college and Paine is currently pursuing her art degree.

"We both are also face painters and have worked for large events such as the Big E," Mar said. "I am also licensed cosmetologist. We see everything as a canvas."

The business just launched in December but most of the events have been sold out. So far the events have been held at Sok's in South Hadley, The Meeting House Bar & Lounge in Hadley, La Quinta in Springfield, and The Riverboat in Agawam. They have now also added The Collegian Court and Rumble Seat, both in Chicopee.

"In the summer or when the weather is nicer, we plan on hosting outside events possibly at the Chicopee Country Club and other outdoor establishments," Mar said.

The next event will be March 16 at the La Quinta, in Springfield. The cost is $33 per person, all materials included. Drinks are not included, of course. Go to www.creativemartini.com for more information.

Scouting report

Maximum Capacity in Chicopee is now serving Yuengling for $2.50 a pint. The beer just made its return to the state after a 20-year absence. Maximum Capacity is at 116 School St.

More on this in a future column, but Diva's in Northampton will hold a comedy night featuring Kim DeShields, Jerry Morgan, and Rob Santos, among others, on April 12.

Leather and Lace will play the Sportsmen's Bar & Grill in Chicopee on March 15. The venue is at 154 School St.